Lactate Threshold Test

What is it?
A Lactate Threshold Test is a semi-stressful, semi-endurance based test that is carried out until threshold is established.  The test duration is obviously variable as the time taken is dependent of the fitness of the testing athlete, although they rarely last more than thirty minutes.

More Information
To better understand the physiological issues this test addresses please read our Lactate Threshold Factsheet.

Why do I need it?
The Lactate Threshold Test is the golden fleece of all tests.  If there is one test that will ensure you train to you full potential it's this one.

This test is used to determine an athlete's power and heart rate at their lactate threshold.  The point at which lactic acid is being produced quicker than it can be metabolized.  An athlete able to produce the most power, for the most time without crossing their lactate threshold is the one most likely to stay away in the break or win the race or time trial. 

Obviously training at levels respective to your lactate threshold brings massive returns in your training investment.  Knowing at what point your threshold is crossed allows your training levels to be pin-point accurate.  No more ambiguous heart rate zones and no more average percentage rates of your calculated VO2max.  Both of which are infinitely better than the alternative, but not as pin-point accurate as measuring lactate development as it happens in your blood stream.

Due to the high cost of the consumables used to undertake this test it is slightly more expensive than other available tests.

How to Prepare
This is semi-stressful test to establish physiological markers, so it's vitally important to make sure you:

▼ are fully rested 
▼ are fully hydrated
▼ have had no hard rides for at least three days
▼ have not eaten for at least two hours previous
▼ have been of good health for at least four weeks
▼ have good motivation and morale
▼ are mentally prepared for the effort required

The Test
A Lactate Threshold Test is not necessarily a pleasant experience but the results it provides give an excellent indicator to the physiological power capacity of an athlete at their lactate threshold. 

This test is critical to the success of anyone who wants to train intelligently, train efficiently and train effectively.  Cadence and gear selection are predetermined before the test and maintained throughout.

A blood sample is taken from the finger or ear lobe before the test begins.  This gives a baseline, "resting" reading.  Every three minutes during the test a sample of blood is taken and recorded in our lactate analyser.  Results are analysed though our software programme to determine the thresholds at power output and heart rate.

The Result
Extrapolation formulae can be used to determine the athletes maximum aerobic power output from their final results.  From this, coaching plans can be determined to provide training to boost aerobic power and increase efficiency.  Improvement can be validated by a repeat test at the end of the training period.

Contact us to book your Performance Evaluation and find out exactly what you're capable of.

What do I get? A performance evaluation takes 90 minutes of your time and three hours of mine.   Each flamme rouge Performance Evaluation gives you a the answers you need to your current fitness levels and the points on which you need to focus to reach your specific competition objectives.  In short, it's the best value for money investment you can make in your training and yourself.  All for less than the cost of a tub of energy drink! With each performance evaluation you get all of the below...

flamme rouge Performance Evaluation...
▼	an outcome specific endurance evaluation
▼	a ten page comprehensive evaluation assessment
▼	a peak expiratory flow test
▼	a forced expiratory flow test
▼	blood pressure measurement
▼	physiological analysis
▼	lifestyle/training audit
▼	wattage/heart rate/cadence/speed recording (min, max & avg)
▼	graphical review of performance evaluation
▼	performance comparison and overlay with previous evaluations
▼	blood lactate measurement and analysis
▼	vo2max (absolute & relative), FTP, and cycling economy calculations
▼	personalized heart and power zones
▼	recommended heart and power training intensities
▼	a photographic record of your evaluation
▼	an FTP w/kg  profile against all previous riders (over 300 records)
▼	a debrief at the end of the 90 minute athlete session
▼	a further 90 minutes evaluation preparation time from the coach